EXPERT TIP FROM METZGER AUTOTEILE
Modern Car Door Locks – Technologies, Special Features, and What to Watch Out For
Modern vehicle door locks now do far more than just secure the doors mechanically.
They are part of an intricate network of systems that blend safety, convenience, and digital connectivity. Today’s door locking systems integrate a wide range of mechanical and electronic components – from traditional key-operated locks to keyless entry solutions and cloud-connected user profiles.
➜ Comfort Meets Security: Kessy and NFC
Among the most common innovations is the Kessy system (Keyless Entry/Start System), which allows drivers to unlock and start the vehicle without removing the key from their pocket. The vehicle automatically detects the approaching key via a wireless signal and unlocks the doors – offering high convenience but also increasing security demands. When combined with a safelock feature, unauthorized opening from the inside – such as through a broken window – is effectively prevented. NFC (Near Field Communication) technology takes it even further, enabling doors and ignition to be operated using a smartphone or NFC card from a close distance. In addition to contactless access, this technology supports driver-specific presets like seat positions, climate settings, and preferred radio stations – enabling real-time personalization of the driving experience.
➜ Security Features: Deadlocks and Central Locking
Deadlocks and central locking systems are also key to securing the vehicle. Deadlocks prevent doors from being opened from the inside – a critical feature in cases of forced entry. Central locking allows all doors to be locked or unlocked simultaneously. When replacing or repairing locking systems, it’s important to check whether the vehicle is left-hand or right-hand drive, as the door modules and components may differ accordingly.
➜ Digitized Trunks: Power Liftgates and Soft-Close Functions
The trunk area has also evolved significantly. Power liftgates, which can be operated by gesture or remote control, improve both convenience and everyday usability – particularly when the vehicle is heavily loaded. These are often paired with soft-close functions, which automatically pull the liftgate securely into its final position. This is especially beneficial for vehicles with bike racks or tall rear hatches.
➜ Manufacturer Codes and the Role of Microswitches
When replacing or upgrading door locks, vehicle-specific equipment codes like PR codes (Volkswagen) or SA codes (BMW) must be taken into account. This ensures full mechanical and electronic compatibility. An often overlooked but critical component is the microswitch, which detects whether a door is open or closed. It controls functions such as interior lighting, alarm systems, and central locking. A faulty microswitch can cause seemingly unrelated issues – from constant interior lighting to error messages on the dashboard.
➜ Key Takeaways for the Workshop
Car door locks are no longer simple mechanical components. Their functionality now depends on the interaction between sensors, electronics, and traditional mechanics. Anyone servicing or replacing these systems needs technical expertise, access to vehicle-specific data, and properly matched replacement parts. Metzger Autoteile offers an extensive range of door locks and accessories tailored to the diverse requirements of various vehicle manufacturers – from mechanical fundamentals to electronic fine-tuning. For workshops, this means: modern door locks are critical to both safety and driver comfort. Servicing or replacing them demands more than just mechanical skills – it requires in-depth knowledge of the underlying technologies, attention to vehicle-specific details, and utmost precision during installation. Only then can the locking system deliver full functionality, security, and user satisfaction.
➜ For workshops, this means
modern door locks are critical to both safety and driver comfort. Servicing or replacing them demands more than just mechanical skills – it requires in-depth knowledge of the underlying technologies, attention to vehicle-specific details, and utmost precision during installation. Only then can the locking system deliver full functionality, security, and user satisfaction.
Long-term tested quality - for your safety
Our door locks undergo strict testing procedures in our own quality assurance department. They are subjected to long-term testing under realistic conditions to ensure maximum reliability, durability and security.
This is how we ensure that every product meets our high standards - and fulfils your expectations.
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